TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12.6.2024

1. UNIFORM CIVIL CODE IS PART OF GOVENEMENT AGENDA SAYS UNION LAW MINISTER

• The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposal to replace the personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set of rules governing every citizen.
• The idea is to provide a uniform set of laws dealing with marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance.
• Constitutional Provision: Article 44of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution states: “The State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.”
• Current Scenario: Currently, different religious communities in India are governed by their respective personal laws.
• For example: Hindus: Governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955; Hindu Succession Act, 1956; etc.
• Muslims: Governed by the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937; Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939; etc.
• Christians: Governed by the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872; Indian Divorce Act, 1869; etc.
• Parsis: Governed by the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936. Recent
• Development: Uttarakhand: On February 7, 2024, the Uttarakhand State Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand, 2024 Bill, making it the first state in India to pass a law on UCC. The bill was granted assent by President Droupadi Murmu on March 13, 2024.
• Scope: The bill aims to create uniform laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance, and related matters for all residents, except the tribal community, irrespective of their religious backgrounds.
• Key Provisions: Common law on marriage, divorce, inheritance of property, and live-in relationships for all citizens, except the tribal community.

2. INDIA’S LOOMING FINANCIAL CRISIS

• Key Issues Highlighted: Rapid Credit Growth:It is often seen as a sign of economic prosperity but can lead to financial crises.
• Current Scenario: India’s current financial situation mirrors past financial booms that led to crises.
• Dangerous Narrative: Policy-Driven Growth: Policymakers have pushed the narrative of strong economic performance and growth.
• High Lending Rates: Reports show high levels of bank lending and low non-performing assets, but this may be misleading.
• Rising Household Debt Levels:with Indian households having the highest debt-service-to-income ratio globally.
• Impact on Consumption: High debt levels lead to reduced consumer spending and financial strain on households.
• Financial Sector’s Role: Lending Practices: The financial sector has focused on promoting lending to consumers, leading to increased household debt. ○ Recent Trends: The growth of “personal loans” has outpaced lending to industry, indicating a shift towards consumer debt.
• Economic Fragility: High Borrowing Costs: High interest rates and borrowing costs have made it difficult for consumers to manage debt.
• Potential Crisis Indicators: Indicators such as high household debt, aggressive lending, and overvaluation of assets suggest a looming financial crisis.
• Regulatory Environment: Market Liberalization: Financial liberalization has made borrowing easier but also riskier.
• Regulatory Oversight: New financial players, including fintech, have entered the market with potentially dubious lending practices.
• Economic Consequences: Debt Defaults: Rising defaults on consumer loans could lead to broader financial instability.
• Long-Term Impact: A financial crisis would not only cause immediate economic pain but also harm the long-term economic well-being of the country.

3. IISc DEVELOPS METHOD TO REMOVE HEAVY METAL CONTAMINANTS FROM GROUNDWATER

• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed an innovative three-step remediation processto remove heavy metal contaminants, such as arsenic, from groundwater
• This method not only ensures the removal of these contaminants but also focuses on their safe and sustainable disposal, addressing a critical gap in existing technologies
• Three-Step Remediation Process:
• Step 1:Adsorption-Heavy metals are adsorbed onto a specially designed material.
• Step 2:Separation-The adsorbed heavy metals are separated from the clean water.
• Step 3:Safe Disposal-The separated heavy metals are disposed of in an environment-friendly manner, preventing them from re entering the groundwater. Environmental Impact:
• The process ensures that the removed heavy metals do not end up in landfills, which could potentially lead to re-contamination of groundwater.
• This aspect is often overlooked in existing methods. Current Scenario in India:
• Arsenic Contamination:113 districts in 21 states have arsenic levels above 0.01 mg per litre.
• Fluoride Contamination:223 districts in 23 states have fluoride levels above 1.5 mg per litre.
• These levels exceed the permissible limits set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the World Health Organization (WHO)
• Health Implications: Arsenic: Long-term exposure can lead to skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
• Fluoride: High levels can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis, leading to severe pain and damage to bones and joints. Collaborations and Field Testing:
• The IISc researchers are collaborating with NGOs like INREM Foundation and Earthwatch to deploy and test these systems in rural areas, including Bhagalpur in Bihar and Chickballapur in Karnataka.

4. COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES : NOT PART OF RTI

• The Madras High Court has set aside an order passed by Tamil Nadu Information Commission (TNIC) directing a cooperative society to disclose details regarding the loans extended by it, and ruled that cooperative societies are not amenable to the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005.
• The verdict was passed while allowing a writ petition filed by the president of Madhanam Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Society in Sirkazhi Taluk, Mayiladuthurai district.
• The petitioner society had challenged an order passed by the TNIC on May 4, 2022 for disclosure of crop and jewel loan details.

5. CCI TIGHTENS RULES ON BIG TECH

• In a significant move aimed at enhancing regulatory oversight, and ensuring compliance, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has proposed new regulations to monitor the settlements, and commitments of industry giants.
• The CCI’s draft regulations, has introduced a comprehensive framework, for the appointment of independent agencies to oversee the implementation of the Commission’s orders.
• The proposed regulations, stipulate that the payment to the monitoring agencies, will be made by the person who has filed an application, under the relevant regulations of the Competition Commission of India (Settlement) Regulations, 2024, or the Competition Commission of India (Commitment) Regulations, 2024.
• This move, aims to ensure that industry giants adhere to their commitments, and do not exploit loopholes to evade regulatory scrutiny.

ONE LINER

1. Anamika Rajeev becomes India’s Navy’s First women Helicopter Pilot
2. InderPal Singh Bindra appointed as the secretary of the Competition Commission of India.